Ethel E. Iannarelli, 80, of Maynard, MA died peacefully after a brief illness on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 surrounded by her family and friends at her Maynard home.

She was born in Concord, MA and attended the Concord Public Schools, graduating from Concord High School in 1952. She was the daughter of the late Fredrick C. and Mary (Barrett) Morse. A longtime Maynard resident, Ethel was the beloved wife of Benedetto Iannarelli for 60 years. During the early 50s she traveled with her husband during his time in the Air Force. In the late 50s Ethel and Ben settled in Maynard to raise their family.

Through the 1960s she was a homemaker and Supervisor at Digital Equipment Corporation. In the 80s and 90s she worked at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School cafeteria as a baker. She was a big fan of watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play football, baseball, basketball and softball.

Following her retirement she always enjoyed special events, traveling across the country, spending time at her Florida home during the winter months, and visiting and going on trips with the Maynard Senior Citizens group. Most of all she loved being surrounded by her family and friends. Ethel’s world revolved around her family friends, and she treasured her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She has touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her generosity, strength, thoughtfulness, and was always there when loved ones needed her the most.

She is survived by her dearly loved husband, Benedetto Iannarelli of Maynard; four children all of Maynard: daughters Susan Iannarelli and husband Christopher Devoll, Lynda Latta and husband Walter; sons, Bernard Iannarelli and wife Leeann, and Dennis Iannarelli; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; a brother Fredrick C. Morse of Townsend; and many nieces and nephews. Ethel was predeceased by her sisters, Alice Marlun, Mary Tielbaum, and her brother, John Higgins.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 15th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave. (Rte 111) Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 16th at 10:00am in St. Bridget’s Church, 1 Percival St., Maynard, with burial following in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Great Rd. (Rte 117) Maynard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Maynard Firefighters Relief, 1 Summer St. Maynard, MA 01754, or to The Maynard Council on Aging Gift Account, Clock Tower Place, Bld #7, Suite 180, Maynard, MA 01754 to benefit the Maynard Senior Citizens.